Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ashbourne (Meath) Sewerage Scheme.

Mary Wallace

Question:

151 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment if the Ashbourne sewerage plant will be pumping raw sewage as distinct from treated effluent to Mulhuddart, County Dublin; the proposed costings of the proposal to pump raw sewage from Ashbourne to Mulhuddart; the present position regarding these proposals; when it is intended to appoint the consultant engineer to the project; and the length of time after the appointment of the consultant in which the work will commence.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

A preliminary report, prepared by consulting engineers, was submitted to my Department some time ago by Meath County Council for the Ashbourne sewerage scheme. The report envisages the pumping of untreated sewage, via a rising main, from Ashbourne into the Dublin drainage scheme at Mulhuddart for onward transfer and treatment at Ringsend treatment plant.

Having regard to the existing level of commitments under the water and sanitary services programme, I cannot indicate when a decision may be made to approve the preliminary report.